I don’t know what to do. I got dentures last week. They were uncomfortable. My dentist said I would get used to them, but I haven’t. They hurt so much I can’t even wear them. I got a second opinion and the other dentist said the dentures were made incorrectly. He suggested I get dental implants. I wanted to get a third opinion from someone who lives too far away to get my business. Are dental implants really that much better than dentures? They certainly are more expensive.
Amanda P. – Florida
Amanda,
You’re in a difficult situation. I will say, I haven’t examined you, so I can’t judge the quality of the other dentist’s work. However, I do agree with the second dentist on the other point. Dental implants are better–far better–than dentures.
Let’s say you got the best pair of dentures you could. I mean they fit great. Even the best fitting dentures mean that you lose about 50% of your chewing capacity. They will move. You will get food under them. They will slip and sometimes fall out.
Unfortunately, that’s not the worst part. Your jawbone will begin disintegrate. Once your teeth are removed, the minerals in your jawbone redistribute throughout your body. After about ten years or so, you will not even be able to wear your dentures.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.